It’s entirely natural to be concerned about your health. Those occasional “what if?” moments that motivate you to schedule a check-up, go for a jog, or resist that extra chocolate biscuit can contribute to a longer, healthier life.

However, for some people, these concerns can escalate into something more consuming. They may find themselves in a constant state of worry, fearing the onset of rare or severe illnesses, making frequent trips to the doctor, or experiencing panic at the slightest hint of physical discomfort, such as nausea or a headache. This kind of relentless worry can be draining and can even impact your overall well-being.

If you’ve been struggling to shake off health-related concerns, and it’s affecting your daily life, it might be valuable to delve deeper into the world of health anxiety.

Health anxiety is when worry about your health becomes intense and persistent, far beyond what is reasonable for your actual risk of illness.

People dealing with health anxiety often see everyday physical symptoms like nausea, fatigue, or headaches as indicators of a serious illness. They frequently turn to the internet to ‘Google’ their symptoms and seek excessive reassurance from friends or family about their health. Many with health anxiety either undergo frequent medical check-ups or avoid going to the doctor altogether out of fear.

The defining trait of health anxiety is the excessive level of worry. It’s normal to be concerned about your health, especially if you have a family history of a serious illness like heart disease that you should monitor. However, if you’re finding it nearly impossible to stop worrying about your health, and it’s affecting your ability to enjoy life, then it might be a good idea to explore more about health anxiety.

Recognising Health Anxiety: What to Look For

Psychological Signs:

1. Worrying Over Mild Symptoms: Finding yourself fixated on minor physical discomforts and fearing they signal a severe illness.
2. Persistent Health Worry: Continuing to fret about your health even after receiving a clean bill of health from medical professionals.
3. Distress from Common Symptoms: Feeling deeply distressed by everyday, mild physical sensations.
4. Fear of Rare Illnesses: Frequently being consumed by fears of developing exceedingly rare or deadly diseases.
5. Media-Induced Stress: Becoming unduly anxious due to media reports about health issues.
6. Constant Tension: Experiencing persistent tension and edginess.

Behavioural Signs:

1. Symptom “Googling”: Turning to the internet frequently to search for information about your symptoms.
2. Excessive Self-Examination: Repeatedly checking your body for signs of illness.
3. Seeking Reassurance: Frequently seeking reassurance from others regarding your health concerns.
4. Avoidance of Triggering Activities: Avoiding activities that may bring about common physical sensations (e.g., exercise) out of fear.
5. Frequent Doctor Visits: Making frequent medical appointments for reassurance.
6. Avoiding Reminders: Avoiding places and people associated with sickness, such as doctors and hospitals.

If you notice these signs affecting your daily life, it may be time to consider addressing health anxiety.

Seeking Help for Managing Your Health Anxiety with Christian Acuña

It’s important to remember that only a qualified mental health professional like Christian Acuña, specializing in existential psychotherapy, can provide an accurate diagnosis of anxiety. This typically involves a comprehensive evaluation of your unique situation and circumstances.

If you’ve been feeling concerned about your mental health and specifically want support with managing your health anxiety, we strongly encourage you not to delay seeking help. Reach out to Christian Acuña and his practice for guidance and support. Additionally, you can explore our anonymous online test below to get an initial sense of your situation. Christian Acuña’s expertise in existential psychotherapy may also be a valuable resource to assist you on your journey to well-being. Your mental health matters, and there are resources available to support you.